IRB to keep controversial tackle ruling

The International Rugby Board is set to keep a controversial law ruling that governs the breakdown, despite widespread criticism that it has led to a proliferation of kicking and an increase in injuries.

All hands on deck: Scottish tacklers look to strip Australia's James Horwill of the ball Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The IRB council meets in Dublin, where the Rugby Football Union, among others, will raise the issue of clarifying the tackle law which was passed at the council meeting in July. This states that the tackler is allowed to play the ball from any direction if he is on his feet, increasing the risk of the attacking team losing possession in dangerous areas.

However, there is a strong feeling within the game's governing body that to ditch the ruling would be viewed as a knee-jerk reaction that could lead to more unforeseen problems.

Given the complexities of the factors influencing the breakdown, and anecdotal claims that the new ruling is responsible for the sharp increase in injuries, the most likely outcome today is that the 26-man council will endorse a worldwide review of the breakdown to provide statistical evidence for analysis before a decision can be made.

Match commissioner Douglas Hunter has decided not to cite Ireland's Jamie Heaslip despite a request from South Africa to investigate claims that the No 8 had stuck a finger into Heinrich Brussow's eye in the Dublin Test.

Lions hooker Matthew Rees faces a race to be fit for Wales' Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham on Feb 6. He has been ruled out for at least three months after suffering a groin tear in Wales' defeat by Australia.